A CHEVY 5-10 PICK-UP WIN! - FOR ONE YEAR\ NOTHING \NORKS LIKE A CHEvY TRUCK. ,.. Y MICHIGAN FARM BU REAU Get started! State co selected at d. t nct . D ntestants are O(JNG FARMER IS .. t roughout th Iscusslon Meets DISC(JSSION h estate. . B~ in to win! The 1 ~ISCUSSion Meet Wi~8; 'g>un e MFB Annual M g Farmer .e ec. 11 during eetlng. MEET DISTRICT DISCUSSION M EET SCHEDULE District .. 1- S ept. 24 District 5 - Se District 8 - Au DIstnct 2 - S 0 District 6 _ A pt. 25 District 9 _ A g. 27 . ug.24 District 3 _ sept. 1 D Istrict 7 - Sept. 11 District 10 Aug.29 - ug.28 District 4 Sept. 18 - ept. 12 AUGUST 1985 FARM NEWS VOL. 64 NO.8 THE COVER A publication As farmers look ahead to the harvest season, the U.S. House of the Agriculture Committee plays Michigan politics with Farm Bill '85 legislation. See related articles. Farm Bureau USDA Photo In this issue: Students Participate in Democratic Process Farm Bureau provides a model of democratic political process for high school juniors and seniors during the 22nd annual Citizenship Seminar 10 Farm Bureau Strives for Rational Dairy Policy Following a policy direction set by FB delegates, organization leaders seek support for dairy provisions in the FB farm bill proposal 14 Extra Effort Makes the Difference With more than 13,000 new memberships to their credit, Farm Bureau Insurance agents demons rate their commitment to Farm Bureau goals and ideals 4 19 COLUMNS Rural Route - page 4 Rural Exchange - page 17 Country Ledger - page 5 Agrinomic Update - page 24 Legislative Review - page 6 Discussion Topic - page 26 Front & Center - page 16 Farm Bureau Market Place - page 31 Michigan farm News RURAL LIVING: Michigan Farm News Rural Living Is published monthly. on the first day. by the Michigan farm Bureau Information and Public Relations Division. Publication and editorial orflces at 7373 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, Mich. 48909, Post Orflce Box '}()960; telephone. Lansing 517-323-7000, Extension 510. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: $1.50 per year to members, Included In annual dues. $.3.00 per year non-members in Michigan, $5.00 per year non.members out of state. Publication No . .345040. Established Jan. 13. 1923 as Michigan Farm News. name changed to Michigan Farm News Rural Living Dec. I. 1981. Third-class postage paid at Lansing. Michigan, and at additional mailing offices. EDITORIAL: Connie Turbin. Editor and Business Manager; Donna Wilber. Contributing Editor: Marcia Dltchle. Associate Editor; Cathy J. Klrvan. Associate Editor. OFFICERS: Michigan farm Bureau: President. Elton R. Smith. Caledonia; Vice President. John Laurie. Cass City; Administrative Director. Robert Braden; Treasurer and Chief financial Officer, Matthew But- zin; Secretary, William S. Wilkinson. DIRECTORS: District I, Arthur Bailey, Schoolcraft; District 2, Lowell Eisenmann. Blissfield; District 3. James Sayre. Belleville; District 4, Elton R. Smith, Caledonia; District 5, Albert Cook, Mason; District 6, John Laurie. Cass City; District 7, Robert Rider, Hart; District 8, Lyle LeCronler, freeland; District 9. Donald Nugent. frankfort: District 10, Margaret Kartes, West Branch; District I I. Bernard Doll. Dafter. DIRECTORS AT LARGE: Dave Conklin, Corunna; Michael Pridgeon. Montgomery; Wayne Wood. Marlette. fARM BUREAU WOMEN: faye Adam, Snover. FARM BUREAU YOUNG FARMERS: David Lott. Mason. Douse Ag Committee Plays Farm Bill Politics Farm Bureau's farm bill (H.R. try's problems. Yet, the House Farm Bureau opposes the 1965 and S. 908) was the result Ag Committee has passed committee's revision of the of one of the organization's legislation that contains provi- Class I fluid milk differentials most concerted efforts to gain sions placing unnecessary because they would be deter- the broadest possible grass- burdens on dairy producers for mined politically by Congress roots farmer member involve- a program that will not work. rather than through the federal ment in the policy develop- It is vitally important that order administrative process ment/ policy execution process. dairy producers understand the which involves a hearing proc- major differences between Farm ess for all interested parties. We were optimistic that a federal farm program closely Bureau's program and the House Congress could easily choose paralleling Farm Bureau's farm Agriculture Committee's proposal. to ignore the fact that the The committee's version con- volume of milk delivered by pro- bill would become law. Then subcommittees of the tains assessments, a diversion ducers to federal order markets House Agriculture Committee program and revision of Class I in 1984 was more than twice began their work on Farm Bill fluid milk differentials, all of the volume required for Class I '85 and Farm Bureau's powerful which Farm Bureau strongly op- needs. Legislating the differen- voice for agriculture had to Doses. tial to offset reductions in the compete with the din of many Under the diversion program price support is clearly an effort that recently ended, only 20°/0 to gain support among dairy other voices. Any real concerns for the of dairy producers signed up farmers who otherwise oppose but the 50cf. per cwt. assess- the committee's program. welfare of agriculture on the part of members of the subcom- ment was paid by all dairy I hope the dairy meetings farmers, a total of $875 million. held throughout the state this mittee on wheat, soybeans and That still left $80 million of the past month have resulted in a feed grains were overshadowed cost of the program for tax- better understanding of the by their political ambitions, payers or the federal deficit to dairy program contained in resulting in a proposal clearly written to please everyone. absorb. Farm Bureau's farm bill. The ar- Their proposal for a yearly Despite its high cost, the ticle on page 14 of this issue referendum on mandatory pro- 1984-85 diversion program did will also provide you with im- duction controls, a step that not solve the industry's prob- portant information. would be disastrous for agricul- lems. The 3°1o drop in produc- Your congressman will be ture and agribusiness, was an tion that occurred during that home on recess this month. I irresponsible cop out - a route period cannot be attributed en- strongly urge you to take this they chose rather than making tirely to the diversion program opportunity to share your con- decisions based on the many because there was also a signif- cerns about the proposals that hours of testimony on Farm Bill icant cut in marketings by non- have come out of the House '85. participants and a strong de- Agriculture Committee and its Not only would mandatory mand for dairy products. subcommittees. controls violate farmers' basic What has happened since the Tell your congressman that property rights, they would also diversion program ended on Farm Bureau's farm bill is the sharply curtail our export sales, April 1 further proves its inef- best for agriculture, for con- stimulate production in com- fectiveness in bringing supply sumer taxpayers, and the entire peting countries, and hurt the in line with demand. The num- economy. Encourage him not to entire ag-related economy. ber of milk cows in May 1985 bend to the political pressures The dairy portion of Farm exceeded the number in May. to settle for less than the best. Bureau's farm bill received 1984 by 179,000. Milk produc- tion was up 5°1o from May 1984 much discussion as it was be- ing drafted and is broadly recognized as a rational eco- nomic approach to the indus- and on Jan. 1, 1985, there were 44 dairy heifers 500 pounds and over for every 100 milk ~ie- Il~ ~lton R. Smith, President cows - an all-time high. Michigan Farm Bureau 4 RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 COUNTIlY LEDGER . Ag Uas Deep Roots in State's Uistory (Editor's Note: As Michigan ap- During the 1830s everything . as the first county Extension proaches its sesquicentennial changed. A contagious interest agent in Alpena County. Within (150 years) celebration, many called "Michigan fever" brought a year, a dozen more agents citizens are becoming more in- on a sudden boom of emigrants, were hired in other Michigan terested in the state's history. mostly from the New England counties. The following article by Margaret states. Land sales jumped from In 1914, the Smith-Lever Act Schrepfer, a freelance historical 147,062 acres sold in 1830 to was approved which provided and travel writer living in the 498,423 acres sold in 1834. The funding for state cooperative Lansing area, describes the sig- 1834 Michigan sales accounted extension work, and therefore nificant role agriculture and for more than one tenth of the secured its future. farm organizations have played national income received from The main role of the Exten- in the state's development.} land sales. Public land could be sion Service was education. bought for $1.25 an acre. County agents started local Sieur Antoine de La Mothe farm bureaus to further this. Since proximity to roads and Cadillac, appointed comman- Three years after the Smith- rivers was an important consid- dant in 1694 by the French, was Lever Act was enacted, Dr. Elien eration, about 12% of the the first to suggest that Michi- Mumford, the state county state's population lived in gan was not solely a place to be agent leader, began to hold an- Wayne County in 1837. Although exploited for its furs and it had the most people, it did nual conferences pertaining to timber. He recommended that pest control, livestock produc- not have as many farms as the the French government estab- tion, inter-county projects such neighboring counties of Oak- lish a genuine colony by bring- as drainage, and military draft land and Washtenaw, which pro- ing in farmers and artisians and deferment for farmers. duced three times more bushels developing towns. In 1919, farm families were of the state's main crops: However for more than 100 struggling for economic sur- wheat, oats and Indian corn. years, Michigan continued to be vival. The federal government At an early meeting of the exploited for its furs and State Agricultural Society, had made post war settlements lumber. Farming on an exten- which was organized in 1849, with industry, but not with sive scale developed slowly. farmers. While prices paid for state Rep. Edwin H. Lothrop Before 1818, a legal title to farm products declined, farm stated that attention must be property could not be obtained given to farmers' sons. He costs soared. Also, farm taxes except in the vicinity of Detroit were so high that some had to estimated that four-fifths of the or Mackinac. sell out in order to fulfill tax youth would pursue agriculture. Part of the reason for this obligations. This stirred the rural population slow growth was a report given On Feb. 4 that year, county to support the founding of an by the surveyor-general, Edward. agricultural college. The federal agents and farmers from 57 Tiffin, to President Madison in government approved an act in county farm bureaus met in the 1816. It claimed that Michigan lecture hall at MAC's Horticul- 1855 creating Michigan Agricul- consisted of only swamps, lakes tural College, the first land ture Building. Realizing that and poor, sandy soil which was grant college in the United farmers could not solve these not worth the cost of surveying. States. problems alone, they decided to This report, plus outbreaks of unite under a state organiza- It was not long before farmers typhoid and malaria, did not en- were asking for the new knowl- tion. tice people to come to Michi- edge generated at MAC. In Called the Michigan State gan. A popular folk rhyme 1911, Robert J. Baldwin was ap- Farm Bureau, the new organiza- warned: pointed superintendent of Agri- tion was to have a president, "Don't go to Michigan, that cultural Extension to extend vice president, second vice land of ills; the word means research findings beyond the ague, fever and chills." (continued on page 28) campus boundaries. The next year, H.G. Smith was employed RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 5 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW Trade Initiative - USDA and also deals with presidential Secretary Block has offered a authority on export embargoes second sale under a new pro- for agricultural products. The gram to use U.S. surplus com- Export Administration Act pro- modities to regain foreign vides: customers lost to unfair com- - Agricultural products are ex- Farm Bill Actions - The empted from specific export petition. A subsidized sale-of final bill reported by the House controls justified on national 600,000 tons of wheat flour to Agriculture Subcommittee on Egypt now takes its place be- security grounds, and will not Wheat, feed Grains and Soy- be included in the list of sen- side an offer of a million tons to beans provides for traditional sitive or militarily restricted loan rates and target prices Algeria. products. with a voluntary acreage con- trol program. The bill also employs provisions for producer referenda on the use of man- datory production controls with higher price supports. The House Agriculture Com- mittee passed a dairy subcom- mittee recommendation which would revive the recently-ended dairy diversion program, place assessments on production and raise the Class I fluid milk dif- ferentials in .35 federal milk marketing orders. AfBf President Robert Delano expressed disappointment in the action by the House com- mittee members, saying that the legislative proposals en- courage overproduction, exert negative impacts on other agri- cultural industries and raise The offer was targeted to -The president may embargo uncertainties about future farm Egypt to help regain the market farm products for foreign policy program costs. share lost by the U.S. through reasons only if such an em- unfair trade practices by com- bargo covers all trade and is in peting countries. Before the response to a breech of the Leaded Gas - Efforts to establishment of the EEC,the peace or a direct threat to the delay an EPA ban on leaded security of the U.S. U.S. supplied about half of gasoline are gaining support in world wheat flour demand. That -In short domestic supply sit- Congress. H.R. 2795, intro- share has now slipped to 15%. uations, the president may con- duced by Rep. Edward Madigan trol exports, but those controls During the same period, the (R-I1I.)now lists 24 co-sponsors. EEC increased its market share can apply for no longer than The bill would delay a total ban from 20% to 55%. The 600,000 one year. If controls are in- on leaded gasoline until a joint tons of wheat flour offered to troduced, a full report must be EPA-USDAstudy is completed to Egypt would fill more than 40% provided to Congress immedi- determine the impact of a lead of that country's estimated ately. Congress must then af- ban on farm machinery. flour needs. firm the need within 60 days or An identical proposal, S. the controls are automatically 1.39.3,has been introduced by terminated. Sen. James Abdnor (R-5.D.)with Export Administration - - Export controls will not ap- two co-sponsors: 5ens. Nickles Prior to the July 4 recess, an ex- ply to products with sales con- (R-Okla.) and McClure (R-Idaho). tension of the 1979 Export Ad- tracts signed prior to the an- ministration Act was passed by nounced control with delivery both houses of Congress. The scheduled within 270 days of act gives the president control the announcement. over exports of sensitive prod- ucts to communist countries, 6 RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 Budget Action Delayed Until Closing Dours of Legislative Session The Legislature finally recessed The Northwest Horticultural The silo PCBcontamination for the summer in mid-July. Research Foundation received program is funded at the same Much of the delay resulted from $25,000 for development costs. $2 million to finish the pay- a controversy over the workers' The funds cannot be expended ments for the condemnation compensation reform issue. As until the proposed program is program. a result, several 1986 depart- approved by the Senate and The FFA is funded at the mental budgets were also de- House appropriations commit- same $15,000. layed until the last minute, re- tees. Premiums are funded at quiring conference committees The Animal Health Diagnostic $1,111,300. Of that amount to work out differences between Laboratory was an issue. The $12/100 is for the 4-H animal the House and Senate versions. governor's budget cut this science exposition, $25,500 for $375,000 program to $100,000. the Michigan Dynamometers As- The Senate raised it to $275,000 sociation, and $34,500 for the and the House cut it to Michigan Draft Horse Breeders $170,000. The Senate prevailed Association. by raising it to $375,000. There are dozens of other pro- Livestock breeders awards grams administered by the de- ($150,000 to $200,000) were partment including numerous MDA Budget - The MDA eliminated three or four years inspection programs (fruit and budget for 1985-86 totals $46 ago due to recession cutbacks. vegetable, gasoline, food han- million. Of that $26 million is The Michigan Water Wonderland dlers, weights and measures, from the general fund, about Purebred Breeders Association livestock auctions, grain eleva- $839,000 is from federal was formed to work out a pro- tors, food products, animal sources and $19.1 million is gram for breed shows and health, dairy, beans, apiary, , from fees and licenses which in- $600,000 was requested. The plant disease and pest control, cludes $16.1 million from horse Senate put in $150,000 to start feed and fertilizer, nurseries, racing revenue. The total is a program, but the House cut it toxic substance control, etc.). about 7.5°10 higher than this out. Again the Senate version Other programs include the year. Sen. Gast, chairperson of prevailed. FB supported the pro- Family Farm Development Au- the Senate Appropriations Com- gram. thority, funds for fairs, agricul- mittee, has strongly supported Gypsy moth control funds tural statistical reports, Market- agriculture with needed in- were increased from this year's ing and Bargaining Board, com- creases last year and again this $204,500 to $339,200. The modity promotion, marketing year. Legislature ordered a study to development, grants to cities Increases include funds to determine the best method of with race tracks, grant to the provide full-time ag people in control. The fact is that the Silverdome, etc. the Brussels and Tokyo offices pest is beyond control in many It should be noted that about to promote sales of Michigan ag areas. A major problem is often 40°/0 of the MDA's expenditures products. A new $100,000 pro- the opposition of local people are recovered by fees, licenses, gram was added by the House and environmental groups to fines and horse racing revenue. to develop an African trade pro- spraying. gram. The horse racing section of Other Budgets - Agricul- Local soil conservation dis- the budget is always compli- ture also has a great deal at trict grants were increased from cated. Much of the revenue stake in the budgets of several $500,000 to $750,000 for soil from this source is also used for departments. For example, the conservation and non-point important agricultural needs. "supplemental" budget con- water pollution issues. The The horse section includes tains the appropriations for the state soil and water conserva- funding for quarter horse, Ap- farm financial survey, the tele- tion program is about $800,000. paloosa and Arabian horse pro- Another $50,000 is for Michigan grams which are still at issue. Tech University's U.P. soil However, they will receive the survey program. revenues their programs gener- ate. RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 7 phone hotline to aid farmers in million to county road commis- arts or any combination with at financial distress, and funds for sions, $170 million to cities and least .30% enrollment (up from additional fruit and vegetable villages, and $87 million to the 20%); and one year of health or inspection due to increased proc- comprehensive transportation physical education with at least essing in the state. fund. These are only the major IS% enrollment (up from 10%). Sen. Gast also put $.300,000 budget items. A new requirement is one in the budget for renovation of semester of computer educa- migrant housing. This SO-SO tion with at least SOlo enroll- Education Budget - K-12 matching program has not been ment. school aid totals $1.8 billion, an funded for some years. He also There is an option for qualify- 11% increase. The school aid proposed funding for this pro- ing for the extra $28 per pupil formula for 1985-86 will be gram in the Department of if the school requires pupils to $.30.3 plus $68.S0 per operating Public Health budget. complete, as a 1988-89 gradua- mill plus another $28 if the The higher education budget tion condition, three years of school has six high school class bill contains the appropriations English, two years of math, two periods. At least .30% (up from for the Cooperative Extension years of science, three years of 20%) of grades 9 to 12 must be Service and agricultural research. social science, one year of enrolled in the sixth period. The Senate increased the ap- health or physical education, Schools must also offer four propriations by 9% but the and two years of foreign lan- years of English with at least House approved only 7%. The guage, fine arts, vo-ed or prac- 60% enrollment (up from 40%); amount needed was 11%. tical arts. three years of math with at The Department of Transpor- Another $8.3S can be earned least 40% enrollment (up from tation budget of $786.1 million for all K-12 pupils if the class .30%); three years of social contains no general funds. size in kindergarden and first science with 40% enrollment Another $286.2 million comes grade averages not more than (up from .30%); two years of a from federal funds. Some $.30S 2S pupils. A study will be made foreign lanugage, fine or per- million goes to the state to determine if a smaller class forming arts, vo-ed or practical trunkline system, $S million to size has an advantage. the critical bridge fund, $.30S The budget also contains funding for the numerous "categoricals" (special educa- tion, gifted and talented, trans- portation, compensatory educa- Analytical Laboratory tion, vo-ed, etc.) Pupil testing requirements in grades 4, 7 and "Where Quality is Assured" 10 are also continued. The Agra Land Basic Forage Analysis Package is available at only 514.00 per sample, including prepaid postage. Workers' Compensation - NO. BASIC ANALYSIS PACKAGE PRICE This is the most controversial issue of the session. It has A-I Crude Protein, Bound Protein, Adjusted Protein, resulted in delaying budget and Moisture, Acid Detergent Fiber, Crude Fiber, TON, Ca, P, Mg, K, ENE and NE1 $ 14.00 other bills. While S.B. 7 contains provisions to speed up the ad- Basic Analysis Excluding Major Minerals 12.00 ministration of the law, a great Available Tests When ADDED to Items A-lor A.2 deal is lacking. The major issue is the defini- Minor Mineral Analysis Includes: Iron, Manganese, Copper and Zinc 6.00 tion of disability. Presently an NPN (Urea) 4.00 insured or otherwise disabled person can remain on workers NITRATE 3.00 compensation benefits until he pH 2.00 or she becomes able to do the For more information, call today and same job, even though they are ask for your free Analysis Sample Kits. qualified to do other kinds of . work. 616-746-4247 A new definition that is used in .37 other states would require Agra Land, Inc. - Laboratory 370112 C. Drive, N., (continued on page 29) P.O. Box 1475, Battle Creek, MI 49016 8 RURAL L1VINO, AUOUST 1985 Hand Signals for Use in Agriculture FIG. I-THIS FAR TO GO-Place palms at FIG. 4-MOVE-OUT-TAKE OFF-Face FIG. 2-COME TO ME-Raise the arm ver- FIG. 3-MOVE TOWARD ME-FOLLOW ear level facing head and move laterally in- the desired direction of movement; hold the tically overhead. palm to the front. and rotate ME-Point toward person(s). vehicle(s). or ward 10 indicate remaining distance 10 go .. arm extended to the rear; then swing it in large horizontal circles. unit(s). beckon by holding the arm horizon- overhead and forward in Ihe direclion of tally to the front. palm up. and motioning desired movemenl until it is horizontal. palm toward the body. down. FIG. 5-STOP-Raise hand upward to the FIG. 6-SPEED IT UP-INCREASE full extent of the arm. palm to the front. Hold SPEEDP-Raise the hand to the shoulder. FIG. 7-SLOW IT DOWN-DECREASE FIG. 8-START THE ENGINE-Simulate that position until the signal is understood. fist closed; thrust the fist upward to the full SPEED-Extend the arm horizontally cranking of vehicles by moving arm in a cir- extent of the arm and back to the shoulder sideward. palm down. and wave arm cular motion at waisl level. rapidly several times. downward 45 deg minimum several times. keeping the arm straight. Do not move arm above horizontal. These hand sig- nals are intended to be used in agri- cultural opera- tions especially when noise or distance preclude the use of normal voice communica- tion. FIG. 9-STOP THE ENGINE-Draw right FIG. IQ-LOWER EQUIPMENT-Make FIG. Il-RAISE EQUIPMENT-Make cir- hand. palm down. across the neck in a "throat circular motion with either hand pointing to cular motion with either hand at head level. cutting" motion from left to right. the ground. RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985. 9 1985 Young People's Citizenship Seminar students Participate in Democratic Process By Cathy J. Klrvan "We had an outstanding Involvement of group of students this year who Students Excellent When two political parties set came with the idea that they Ron Gaskill, coordinator of up headquarters on the quiet were going to accomplish political activities for the campus of Olivet College in something and better them- seminar and MFB's local affairs Olivet for one week in June, the selves," said Mike Kovacic, specialist, agreed that the small mid-Michigan college be- chairperson of the seminar students at this year's seminar came a center of political de- planning committee and man- were high caliber. bate and unparalleled citizen in- ager of the MFB Young Farmer "In the past we've competed volvement. Department. "In the Federalist with programs such as Boy's During that week, June 24-28, Party caucus on Tuesday after- State, Girl's State and 4-H Ex- over 99% of the "residents" noon you could hear a pin drop ploration Days. Because we voted in the primary election when somebody was speaking, and 97.9% of the "voters" cast and that takes a pretty unique their ballots in the general elec- group of young people." tion for state senator, state Kovacic said Farm Bureau's representative, Michigan Su- citizenship seminar is also preme Court justices, and coun- unique because it combines ec- ty offices including sheriff, onomic and political lessons prosecuting attorney, clerk, with patriotism. "We believe treasurer, register of deeds and that if you're going to study drain commissioner. what it means to be an Ameri- These activities were part of can, a very important part of the 22nd annual Young People's that is economics. Citizenship Seminar, sponsored "We teach the young people by Michigan Farm Bureau and that one of the reasons this county FBs throughout the country is great is because of state. The 234 high school the free enterprise economic juniors and seniors attending system and explain that we the seminar also learned about wouldn't have a lot of the other people and governments in benefits that we enjoy if it other countries, the American weren't for our economic free market system and the system," he said. privileges they enjoy as U.S. One of the students' favorite citizens. speakers was Robert Rowland of Enterprise Square USA. De dis- cussed the importance of under- standing and preserving America's heritage and freedoms. 10 RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 .,.. .•.• I., The rale .of the juniar caunselars. Kathy Brawn .of Chebaygan Caunty. Nanette Wambaugh .of Muskegan Caunty. Kalan Baughn .of Ingham Caunty and Jan Thelen .of Clintan Caunty. ranged fram cheerleader ta party .organizers. "This year's juniar caunselars were haaked up ta the entire canference better than I've ever seen." said seminar chairpersan Mike Kavacic. "We've had .one .or twa austanding juniar caunselars befare but this year we had faur." moved the seminar back a week funny and could relate to peo- Russell found a campaign many of the students had just ple well. His experiences around manager and some workers to attended one of those confer- the world were very interesting." help him run for prosecuting at- ences and I think that con- For Ethan Russell, a student torney. "The first night I came tributed to their willingness to from Oakland County, there was up with some slogans and we participate." never any question of involve- made campaign posters. We used One student who got involved ment. "When I got there I was lots of pictures to catch the right away was Meredith Wip- designated an independent and voter's eye. ping of Midland County. "When I knew I wanted to join a party "The highlight of the week we broke into parties the first that first day so that I could run was the election but I also liked day it seemed like everyone for an office and hopefully win," the experience of getting out of ought to be faithful to the party he said. so I decided to get involved and ended up being a Federalist precinct delegate," she said. "1 liked the idea of having a say in what was going on. "Before I went to the seminar I thought it was going to be all serious lectures where nobody would be able to relax but we ended up learning a lot and had a lot of fun doing it. It was a real interesting experience." Jeff Ebsch of Menominee County also ran for an office. "1 thought it would be a good ex- perience to run for state sen- ator," he said. "Even though I was defeated in the primary election I still felt it was a good experience." In addition to the campaign- ing, Ebsch enjoyed the presen- tation by world traveler Dr. John Furbay. "He was really Infarmal discussian graups pravided an appartunity ta discuss the issues raised by the guest speakers. RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 11 --- At political rallies, chants of "Pops are tops" and "Get ahead with a Fed" echoed throughout the auditorium as students supported their party's candidates. the area where you've been seminar. "The volunteers and growing up all your life and staff come out feeling just as meeting new people." charged up and renewed and '- Alcinda Sparks of Livingston good about themselves as the County ran for county treasurer students," Kovacic said. "We ex- Students learned about the en- "just to see what a campaign perience something too - we tire political process - from was like." She highly recom- grow, we learn, we see the registering to vote to campaign- ing and running for political of- mends the seminar to others. spark and we feel like we ac- fice. "There are many things you complished something." just can't get in the classroom," He said the comment of she said. "It's a learning ex- counselor Andrew Ferdinand, an Sharon Kokx of Newaygo perience and it's something you MFB regional representative, County, a member of the MFB really don't get any place else." reflects the feeling of most: "1 Women's Committee, has been Sparks said her favorite part grew inside through helping the a counselor six times. Why? of the seminar was the last kids to grow. This was a good "You hear so much negative speaker, Vic Verchereau, a way to develop my own skills in . about the students now days former state FFA officer who motivating others." but you go down there and see now works for Agra Land. His the positive," she said. "1 think speech, "The Greatest American the seminar is one of Farm Bu- Hero," inspired her. "Mostly reau's best programs and more what I got out of it was the mo- people ought to have the ex- tivation to really live life to the perience of participating as a fullest." volunteer counselor." Nanette Wambaugh of Musk- egon County, who was a stu- Seminar Ends With dent last year and a junior "Real Life' Lessons counselor this year, had a Traditionally the conclusion similar feeling after her first of the seminar's political ac- seminar. "Last year the seminar tivities - the announcement of changed just about everything the winning candidates and for me," she said. "1 have a presentation of awards - has whole different outlook on included a well-known state things now. I'll accept chal- government official, but this lenges, go for it and won't year coordinator Ron Gaskill did chicken out." something a little different. Counselors Benefit "1 invited Wayne County Ex- From Experience Also Political activites coordinator ecutive William Lucas to pre- Ron Gaskill aided students in the Seminar chairperson Mike proper use of computer punch sent the awards because I think Kovacic said it is not just the card voting. They also learned he is the absolute best repre- how to cast their ballots on paper sentative of a local government students who benefit from the and voting machines. official in this state," Gaskill said. "1 have wanted to invite him in the past however he 12 RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 didn't have the name recogni- tion. But that has changed because of his switching GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS political parties, meeting Presi- Office Federalist Party Populist Party dent Reagan and rumored can- didacy for governor. State William Raupp V'Nathan Bartow "I think Bill Lucas has a Senator Hillsdale County Alpena County tremendous amount of integrity and dignity. He's not the tradi- State Bruce Punches V'Vincent Lamb tional politician; he's more of a Representative Kent County Genesee County statesman. It's that credibility and integrity that he shows as a Prosecuting V'Ethan Russell Pam Geiger government official that I Attorney Oakland County Huron County thought was very appropriate to show to the students." Sheriff V'Timothy Hahn Doug Besteman Mecosta County Chippewa County Clerk V'Sharon Histed Sara Graden Bay County Washtenaw County Treasurer Alcinda Sparks V'Dawn Estelle Livingston County Otsego County Register V'Debbie Darling Jean Balconi of Deeds Clinton County Gladwin County Drain V'Spencer McLachlan Michael Kruley Commissioner Oakland County Wexford County Michigan V'Jim Craig Julie Behrenwald Supreme Lenawee County Montcalm County Court V'Wendy Hanson Mindy McKinley Justices Livingston County Muskegon County POLITICAL PARTY OFFICE UOLDERS Wayne County Executive William Office Federalist Party Populist Party Lucas shared his views on the current political scene and presented certificates to the win- Chairperson V'Mike LeTourneau V'Jed Welder ning candidates, including Livingston County Montcalm County Nathan Bartow of Alpena County, who was elected state senator. Precinct 1 V'Dan Boyer V'Rob Anderson Delegates Clare County Mecosta County After the election results were V'Mike Wenkel V'Sara Carter Arenac County Oceana County known, the political party ban- ners pulled down and campaign Precinct 2 V'Kim Harper V'Ann Dalbec posters snatched off the walls Delegates Clinton County losco County as souvenirs, the students took V'Katherine Jackson V'Heidi Fleming with them more than the mem- Ingham County Otsego County ories of fun and fellowship. For the young men and women who Precinct :3 V'Mark Kelso V'Angela Reeves were part of the 1985 MFB Delegates Otsego County Ionia County Young People's Citizenship Sem- V'Kassie Kennedy V'Elaine Merrill inar, the challenge and reward Monroe County Benzie County of fully participating in the political process will be a part Precinct 4 V'Meredith Wipping V'Sarah Vogel of their past, present and, most Delegates Midland County Tuscola County of all, their future. V'lndicates winner RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 1.3 1985 Farm Bill Farm Bureau Strives for Rational Dairy Policy By Connie Turbin ture discretionary authority to ducer without passing any of reduce the support price by not the benefits on to the con- Rather than complicated sup- more than .3% every six months sumers." port price formulas and pro- if CCC purchases exceed eight AFBF dairy economist Hollis posals that would assess pro- billion pounds. Hatfield acknowledges that na- ducers for the cost of Commodi- tional milk production in 1984 ty Credit Corporation purchases Assessment I Diversion did drop .3%, but he says that by the government, the Ameri- Program "as Direct Cost the reduction cannot be attrib- can Farm Bureau Federation to Dairy Producers uted entirely to the diversion continues to support dairy pro- In a recent statement to the program. During 1984, dairy visions in the 1985 farm bill news media, AFBF President diversion program participants that would send a clear market Robert Delano said: "Dairy pro- were responsible for a decline in signal to the nation's dairy pro- ducers should not be saddled marketings of .3.2 billion ducers when dairy supplies ex- with assessment programs pounds. ceed reasonable demand. which have failed to solve past The reductions in milk mar- The dairy section of FB's 1985 surplus problems. We must keting by nonparticipants near- farm bill proposal provides for avoid any proposal which fails ly equalled the diversion pro- continuation of the dairy prod- to send a clear signal to pro- gram with a reduction of 2.6 ucts purchase program by the ducers. The previous dairy billion pounds - without bene- CCC; establishes the support diversion program placed the fit of the producer diversion price at 90% of the average all- burden of the cost on the pro- payments. "This significant milk price for the previous three drop in marketings by the non- years with adjustments made participants is often over- semi-annually; provides for ad- looked," he says. justment in the support price according to the amount of net government purchases; and grants the secretary of agricul- 14 RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 Through the 50ct per cwt. as- Hawaii adopted this policy milk in the Minnesota-Wisconsin sessment program operating in statement: (M-W)marketing region. In 1984-85, dairy farmers paid for "We favor a system where the Boston, for example, the June about 91 % of the cost of diver- price support level would be Class I price was determined at sion payments. Based on data automatically adjusted accord- $11.62 (M-Wprice) plus $.3.00 through May 1985, $875.2 mil- ing to the amount of net dairy (Class I differential) for a total lion was collected directly from products purchased by the fed- of $14.62 per cwt. producers. With just 20% of the eral government and oppose The intent of the differential nation's producers participating any assessment of producers by and the marketing orders in the in the diversion program, pay- the federal government as a 44 U.S. regions is to assure an ments of $10.00 per cwt. to- part of any future dairy legisla- adequate supply of quality milk taled about $955 million. tion .... " to consumers. Now some dairy and dairy However, in his analysis of processing interests are propos- the proposed increases in milk ing a similar assessment/ diver- price differential, AFBF econo- sion program for the 1985 farm lilt is important that mist Hatfield notes that the bill to finance the cost of a the members of Con.. volume of milk delivered by pro- diversion program plus the cost ducers to federal order markets of government purchases of gress understand in 1984 was more than twice butter, nonfat dry milk, and that there is a dairy the volume required for Class I cheese in excess of five billion needs. This excess of Class I re- pounds of milk equivalent. In- legislative proposal quirements is a major contribu- itial costs to U.S. dairy farmers that will solve the tor to the nation's milk surplus. could total $1.10 per cwt. or The cost of this differential more, Hatfield estimates. problem of over.. price has a direct effect on con- "It is important that the supply without an sumer prices for milk. The cur- members of Congress under- rent differentials, in effect since stand that there is a dairy assessment or diver.. 1968, add 10ct to 27ct per legislative proposal that will sion program." gallon depending upon the solve the problem of oversupply federal market order region. Ac- without an assessment or diver- cording to figures prepared by sion program," he says. Hatfield, proposals to increase Proposed Changes in Class I "Farm Bureau's proposal is the Class I fluid milk differential Differential Pricing Treat easily understandable. It ties would increase consumer prices Dairy Farmers Inequitably levels of support to previous an additional 1ctto 14ct in 35 prices and levels of government As written, the dairy provi- federal order markets. purchases, and it sends a clear sions presented in the FB farm He also asserts that the pro- signal to the dairy industry that bill proposals (5. 908 and H.R. posal discriminates against pro- support prices will be adjusted 1965) do not specifically ad- ducers in certain areas of the if supply and demand are out of dress the Class I fluid milk dif- country. An increase in the dif- balance. The degree of these ferential pricing structure. ferential is proposed for 97% of adjustments is limited, how- However, FB dairy economists the nation's producers and ig- ever, to avoid abrupt disloca- and leaders in the FB organiza- nores .3%. What, asks Hatfield, tions in the dairy industry." tion maintain that proposed is the justification for increas- The dairy provisions in FB's changes for determining the ing the differential in the farm bill legislation are based Class I fluid milk differential Chicago marketing area, one of on current policy developed by would discriminate against pro- the nation's largest contribu- delegates at each level of the ducers in certain areas of the tors to the milk surplus, but no grassroots organization. That country and increase the price increase for producers who ship policy states clear opposition to of fresh milk for most of the na- to Salt Lake City, Utah, Upper assessment/ diversion programs tion's consumers. Michigan and seven other feder- in the future. Delegates at the Basically, the fluid differenUal al order markets? 1985 AFBF annual meeting in is the amount that is added to the average price paid to pro- ducers for manufacturing grade RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 15 Federal Milk Marketing Orders - Fluid Differentials (for tbe East Nortb Central/ East Soutb Central Regions) Proposed Current Proposed Cbangeln fluid fluid Producer Class I federal Order Differential Differential Class I Price Use $/cwt. $/cwt. $/cwt. percent Upper Michigan 1.35 1.35 67 Southern Michigan 1.60 1.75 .15 43 E. Ohio - W. Pennsylvania 1.85 1.95 .10 52 Ohio Valley 1.70 2.04 .34 52 Indiana 1.53 2.00 .47 68 Chicago 1.26 1.40 .14 19 Central Illinois 1.39 1.61 .22 58 Southern Illinois 1.53 1.92 .39 63 Louisville - Lex. - Evans 1.70 2.11 .41 58 Tennessee Valley 2.10 2.77 .67 68 Nashville 1.85 2.52 .67 89 Paducah 1.70 2.39 .69 76 Memphis 1.94 2.77 .83 67 NOTE: No change in fluid differential is proposed for federal market orders in Upper !'1ichigan, Western Colorado, Southwest Idaho-East Oregon, Great Basin, Lake Mead, Central Arizona, Rio Grande Valley, Puget Sound, Oregon- Washington. The accompanying chart I'IfB Dairy Information itiated to familiarize dairy shows the current and proposed Programs Set tbe farmers with the comparative fluid milk differential for the Record Straigbt issues in proposed dairy legisla- east north central and east Recently members of the MFB tion. That recommendation south central federal market Dairy Advisory Committee met prompted a series of multi- orders. in Lansing to review the pro- county dairy information meet- Hatfield further labels the dif- posals being offered in Con- ings throughout the state in ferential proposal as a way to gress by AFBF and other dairy July. offset a drop in the support interests. The committee, com- The meetings provided dairy price. "One part of the farm bill posed of producers in Michigan's farmers and FB leaders with the would reduce the support price dairy industry, ended their day opportunity to question the as CCC purchases increased," long deliberations and discus- organization's legislative and Hatfield says. "The differential sions by reaffirming their com- economic staff experts regard- part of the legislation would mitment to the FB dairy policy. ing the various dairy proposals raise the Class I price to pro- The advisory committee rec- for the 1985 farm bill being ducers in 35 markets, increas- ommended to the MFB board of considered by Congress. ing the incentive to produce directors that an information more milk and would fix those and education campaign be in- differentials until they were changed legislatively." 16 RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 FRONT & CENTER Tbe state policy development conference will be beld Aug. 20 at Long's Conven- tion Center in Lansing. The day-long conference will include a representative from the AFBF Washington office addressing probable national. issues, discussion of recommendations of the MFB Water Rights Task Force for new water rights policy and time for members to ask ques- tions about specific issues they would like to discuss. Contact your county secretary for more information. FB members can purcbase "Micbigan's Farm Best" frozen fruits and vegetables during MACMA's member-to-member Summer Frozen Sale. Items offered include Wisconsin cheese, Michigan meats and Florida concentrates and peanuts. Price and ordering information is available from the FB secretary in participating counties. Order deadline is Aug. 7. Deliveries will be made to participating county FB offices during the weeks of Aug. 19 and 26. Atlanta, Georgia, one of tbe nation's most progressive cities, will bost tbe 67tb annual meeting of tbe American Farm Bureau Federation, Jan. 11-16, 1986. "These are crucial times for farmers and it is important for Farm Bureau members to see their organiza- tion develop policies to meet the issues facing agriculture today," said Elton R. Smith, AFBF vice president and MFB president. In addition to observing and participating in the national policy setting procedure for their organization, members will hear world renowned speakers as well as meet fellow members from across the country. A trade show has been added to the convention this year. Suppliers of agricultural prod- ucts will be displaying materials and answering farmers' questions and the newest technology will be available for farmers to view. Entertainment is also a part of the convention. The Roy Clark show will headline the annual awards program and an old fashioned hoedown will provide music, singing and dancing on Saturday evening, Jan. II. Several tour alternatives will be available for MFB members. These include hotel and con- vention only for those who wish to provide their own transportation; an air, hotel and conven- tion package; a Caribbean cruise and a bus tour ~ith two days in Nashville which includes a visit to the Grand Ole Opry. Brochures with complete details will be available soon at county FB offices and from the MFB Information & Public Relations Division. AgriPac endorsed Jud Knapper of Ricbland for tbe 13tb District Senate seat, based on the unanimous recommendation of the candidate evaluation committees in Montcalm, Barry and Ionia counties. The committees interviewed all four candidates for the seat before reaching their decision. The .3,800 FB members in the l.3th District were urged by AgriPac to support Knapper in the July 2.3 special primary. The special general election to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Sen. Robert Welborn is scheduled for August 1.3. An bistorical look at 30 years of progress in agriculture will bigbligbt tbe Dry Bean and Sugar Beet Field Day, Aug. 20 at the Saginaw Valley Research Farm. Field day ac- tivities include tours of five research sites, which begin at 1:.30 p.m .. Research being conducted at the farm includes dry bean and sugar beet variety development, fertilizer trials, tillage studies and soybean culture. The research farm is located one mile east of M-52 on Swan Creek Road, between St. Charles and M-46. Details of the field day may be obtained by writing to Donald Christenson, Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences, MSU,East Lansing, Mich. 48824. A neWly-created commission formed by Campbell Soup Co. and tbe Farm Labor Or- ganizing Committee (FLOC)bas received a critical review from MFB's agricultural labor specialist, Ron Gaskill, who questions how growers will fare under resulting state and/ or na- tional legislation. The commission proposes to examine the migrant worker issue with the in- tent of developing a comprehensive migrant farm worker bill for consideration by the legislatures in Michigan and Ohio, and possibly in the U.S. Congress. "We can understand the interest of FLOC in migrant worker legislation, but we question why Campbell is interested in an issue that is essentially between the growers and the workers," Gaskill said. "If Campbell plans to pressure growers to be subject to negotiating with organized workers, they should change their long-time position of refusing to negotiate grower contracts for tomatoes through organized farmers," he said. The agreement between Campbell and FLOCcalled for the commission to be formed by July 1, 1985. According to Gaskill, com- mission members are currently being recommended and elections are planned to be held in late August or early September. RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 17 RURAL RASCALS County Farm Bureaus Set Annual Meeting Dates Bay County Farm Bureau earlier in September and Oc- opens the annual series of tober. county FB annual meetings on While not all counties have Aug. 25. Although it is the only set their annual meeting dates, annual meeting scheduled those that have are listed before Sept. 1, the trend in re- below. Others will be published cent years is for counties to as they become available. hold their policymaking session Alpena - Oct. 10 Kent - Sept. 24 Antrim - Oct. 9 Lapeer - Oct. 3 Arenac - Oct. 14 Lenawee - Sept. 19 Bay - Aug. 25 Livingston - Sept. 26 Benzie - Oct. 7 Macomb - Oct. 10 Berrien - Nov. 1 Mecosta - Oct. 7 Branch - Sept. 16 Midland - Oct. 1 Calhoun - Oct. 1 Missaukee - Oct. 1 Charlevoix - Oct. 2 Monroe - Sept. 17 Minding Melissa: Saginaw Valley Clare - Oct. 24 Newaygo - Oct. 10 regional representative Becky Northwest Michigan - Oct. 9 Clinton - Sept. 17 Jeppesen knew how to entertain Eaton - Oct. 5 Oakland - Oct. 3 this young rascal. Proudly show- Ing off her Aunt Becky's horse Emmet - Oct. 14 Oceana - Oct. 21 Foxle, Is Melissa Mattson, /Jlh, of Genesee - Oct. 8 Ogemaw - Oct. 24 Stanton. Melissa and Becky were Gladwin - Oct. 1 Osceola - Oct. 15 visiting the Jeppesen family farm Gratiot - Sept. 6 Ottawa - Oct. 10 In Montcalm County. Hillsdale - Sept. 11 Saginaw - Oct. 3 Huron - Sept. 26 St. Clair - Sept. 24 Ingham - Oct. 5 SL Joseph - Oct. 26 Isabella - Oct. 16 Shiawassee - Oct. 12 FARMETTE Jackson - Sept. 26 Washtenaw - Sept. 27 By Andrea Hofmeister Kalamazoo - Oct. 8 Wayne - Oct. 8 Tuscola County Kalkaska - Sept. 6 Wexford - Oct. 8 Krause Takes 4th IIPit Spit ll Championship "Next time we had better Rick "Pellet Gun" Krause of Bau Claire, Mich., blew by challengers In the 12th Annual International Cherry Pit Spitting Contest, July 6, to cap- finish the hoeing before we ture his fourth world championship. The competition Is sponsored by go on vacation." Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm of Berrien County. 18 RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 IEXTRA EFFDRT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE By Janice Child "It was really a group effort to "Dutch Taylor, who died reach goal and it was a really earlier this year, was really Farm Bureau Insurance Group neat experience. The agents committed to the ideals of agents throughout the state are developed a stronger relation- Michigan Farm Bureau. He committed to the goals and ship with the members of the made working on the campaign ideals of Michigan Farm Bureau, board and met many new peo- a very rewarding experience, as demonstrated by their efforts ple. and I plan to volunteer to chair in the recent membership cam- "We also went through all of the campaign this year," paign and during the remainder our Farm Bureau General auto Mohney said. of the year. policies and recalculated them In Cheboygan County FBIG Of the nearly 1.3,OOO.new through Farm Bureau Mutual. If agent Fred Stempky empha- members gained during the last it would be to the insured's sized the benefits of belonging campaign, FBIG agents recruit- financial advantage to become to a group like Michigan Farm ed approximately 75%. The a member, we'd present that Bureau. agents also worked with county idea," Mohney said. "People recognize that they Farm Bureaus in retaining "Not only did we show our will be receiving auto insurance members. clients that we wanted to save at a more competitive price," "When we began working on them money, but we showed Stempky said. "Receiving a the membership campaign last them some of the other benefits competitive price for auto in- year, Dutch Taylor, who was the of membership: free road ser- surance was the reason Michi- chairperson for the drive, got us vice, Family Saver Buyers' Ser- gan Farm Bureau members all together - agents and coun- vice, the Sav-on-Cars program formed the insurance affiliate ty Farm Bureau members - and some of the other benefits back in the late 1940s. It's still working to increase member- of membership. Once they saw true, and it's still attractive. ship," said Jeff Mohney, FBIG these benefits, many became • "They were also interested in agent in Kalamazoo County. members, and as the number of receiving some of the other "We made a list of the members members grows, so does the benefits of belonging to the who hadn't paid their renewal strength of Michigan Farm group - the health program, dues yet and called them up. Bureau. the group purchasing privileges Then we drove out to their and the benefits of belonging to farms to pick up their checks. (continued on page 28) RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 19 Young Farmers Sharpen Communication Skills in Discussion Meet Competition By Marcia Dltchie also for the communities where your legislator or banker and Young Farmers reside." this is one contest which can Recognizing the importance Lott's comments are echoed help you develop and polish of developing leaders in agricul- by David Conklin, an at-large communication skills." ture, delegates to the 1984 member of the MFB board of di- Some county FBs hold a coun- Michigan Farm Bureau annual rectors and a former Discussion ty Discussion Meet prior to the meeting adopted a policy state- Meet contestant who also served district meets, which begin ment regarding Young Farmer as chairperson of the state later this month. Each county leadership development, which Young Farmer committee and can send three representatives stated, in part, "Farm Bureau on the AFBF Young Farmer and to the district contest. At the Young Farmers strive to be pro- Rancher Committee. district meets contestants vie ficient in all areas of Michigan "Participating in the Discus- for a chance to participate in agriculture. The Young Farmer sion Meet helped me in develop- the state contest which will be contests encourage Farm Bu- ing communication skills for held on Dec. 11 during the MFB reau Young Farmers to develop the various leadership positions annual meeting in Grand leadership and strive for and I've held," said Conklin, who Rapids. set new goals for themselves recommends participation in The state Young Farmer Com- and their farming operation." the Discussion Meets for any mittee has made some changes One of the key contests which Young Farmer. in the format for the state con- assists Young Farmers in meet- "The way agriculture is test. It will now include six pre- ing that challenge is the series changing today, there is a liminaries rather than four. Fur- of Discussion Meets that begin greater emphasis being placed ther, the two winners from one on the county and district level on communicating your needs preliminary will not face each this month and peak with the on your farm, as well as suc- other in semi-final meets. national contest held in con- cessfully communicating with The winner of the state con- junction with the AFBF annual test will again receive the use of meeting. a Chevy S-10 pickup truck for "The Discussion Meets give TOPICS FOR one year and compete in the na- Young Farmers the opportunity DISCUSSION MEETS tional contest at the AFBF an- to build communication skills nual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, and, therefore, to make them next January. • What is the future of anti- more effective in conducting biotics, pesticides and re- The district Discussion Meet county programs," said David lated chemicals for agricul- schedule is: District 1 - Sept. Lott, chairperson of the state tural use? 24, District 2 - Sept. 10, Dis- Young Farmer Committee. "They trict .) - Sept. 18, District 4 - also give them an opportunity • What will be the role of com- Sept. 12, District 5 - Sept. 25, to build leadership abilities and mercial lenders, the farm District 6 - Aug. 24, District 7 to learn more about the chal- credit system and govern- - Sept. 11, District 8 - Aug. lenges and rewards of the agri- ment as sources of agricul- 27, District 9 - Aug. 29 and cultural industry. tural credit in the future? District 10 - Aug. 28. The date "The Discussion Meets pro- • How can American farmers has not yet been set for the vide an opportunity to surface expand our share of the District 11 contest. Check with and develop new leaders not world market? your county FB secretary or only for the Young Farmer pro- Young Farmer chairperson for • With specialization as the gram and Farm Bureau, but norm in agriculture, what can details. Farm Bureau do to help diver- sified American agriculture speak as one voice? 20 RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 ISpeak Up' Meetings Draw on Member Ideas and Recommendations A pattern for growth and ser- organizational structure and vice to members in the Michi- leadership; programs and ac- gan Farm Bureau organization tivities; and external data. We At the four "Speak Up" meetings, is taking shape as members of used data from 1978 and 1984 the top two ideas from each dis- the MFB Long Range Planning to make trend projections for cussion group were displayed on poster-size report sheets. Committee, FB members and the Michigan Farm Bureau in MFB directors contribute their 1990." ideas and recommendations to Kovacic said it was stressed a five-year goal plan for the at each of the "Speak Up" meet- ing FB's influence in the organization. ings that the 58 projections legislative process, increasing As part of that planning proc- were merely forecasts of trends the number of farmer members, ess, Farm Bureau members in the organization - not a providing new opportunities for throughout the state were in- plan for Farm Bureau in 1990. young farmer involvement, and vited to participate in a series "The role of those who partici- more information and educa- of four "Speak Up" meetings, pated in the 'Speak Ups' was to tion programs for FB members. June 17-20 at Gaylord, Grand review the forecasts and then In late July, members of the Rapids, Jackson and Saginaw. indicate whether they felt the MFB board received the report Over 300 members attended, trend was acceptable or should of the Long Range Planning bringing with them their ideas be changed," he said. "Throug~ Committee and recommenda- and recommendations for their responses, we gained valu- tions from the FB membership. strengthening the MFB organi- able grassroots information Their goal setting work will about how FB members want reflect this broad based input zation. According to Mike Kovacic, their organization to develop in- to establish a plan of goals and to the year 1990. objectives for implementation chairperson of the MFB Long Range Planning Committee, the "We learned, for example, through 1990. that members feel the Com- According to Kovacic, the "Speak Ups" provided the com- munity Action Group program many hours of research and mittee with feedback on the is basic to Farm Bureau struc- discussion that have gone into trend projections that have ture and that efforts should be the long range planning proc- been identified for Farm Bureau made to increase involvement ess since last December are just and drew on the creativity of in the program." the beginning of the real work the grassroots membership in Concern for increasing mem- of long range planning. the planning process. ber involvement throughout the "There must be a continuing "The first step in the process organization was repeated in commitment to program excel- involved research and fact find- brainstorming sessions con- lence and progressive leader- ing by the members of the com- ducted at each of the "Speak ship throughout the FB organi- mittee," Kovacic said. "Basic- Up" meetings, along with zation in the years ahead to ally, we took a look at the or- recommendations for expand- bring these goals for Farm ganization's past and present in Bureau into reality." terms of membership; income and expense; physical plant; RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 21 Volunteers to Share lIow To's of Presentations & Farm Tours By Marcia Dltchle like to become active partici- Each workshop will include a pants in taking agriculture's "how to" session which will ex- American agriculture has story into Michigan's schools. plai~ the methods for contact- written an enviable success "We have consistently reached ing schools, a step by step story since the turn of the cen- 9,000 to 10,000 children in process for organizing presenta- tury, especially during the last classrooms and on farm tours tions and working with stu- four decades. While agriculture each year since the program dents. , has become more efficient and began," said Faye Adam, chair- A highlight of each workshop productive, fewer people are person of the MFB Women's will be county volunteers directly involved in the produc- Committee. "We feel that we demonstrating the presenta~ tion of food and fibre. tions they have used in class- rooms and with on-farm tours for school children. "The teachers have been very happy with the presentations I have done," said Julie Schwab, a Bay County dairy farmer who has worked with children in Pin- conning, Bay City and Standish schools. "I have only been working with the project for a few years, but I enjoy working with chil- dren whether it's in the schools or in 4-H. I really do enjoy it and hopefully it will keep grow- ing." Julie will be one of the county volunteers sharing her presentation at the Gaylord workshop. At the Lansing workshop, A farm visit Is quite an adventure for Ag In the Classroom kids who Anne Block will describe how learn from real farmers where food production begins. she and her husband, Mike, form a unique team in conducting farm tours for school children. For many children today, have the potential to double The Blocks, Saginaw County their only knowledge of agricul- that figure in helping children dairy farmers, have hosted farm ture may come from stories told identify with the source of their tours for more than 1,000 to them by their grandparents. food and fibre." school children from Detroit, To help fill that void, the Currently there are over 180 Saginaw, Frankenmuth and Michigan Farm Bureau Women volunteers throughout the state Reese during the last five years. initiated an on-going Agricul- working with the Ag in the "I get the children excited ture in the Classroom project Classroom project. Workshop about milking a cow, collecting over 10 years ago. planners are expecting to at- eggs and the more hands-on ac- Next month two day-long tract 80 people at each of the (continued on page 28) workshops will be held to target two workshops which will be additional people who would held in Lansing on Sept. 24 and in Gaylord on Sept. 25. 22 RURAL LlVINO, AUOUST 1985 .The Best in Agriculture and Entertainment Planned for 1985 Michigan state Fair A $2 million multi-livestock After visiting all the farming facility, expected to be ready exhibits, there is still a lot more for use this year, will provide to experience at the 1985 Michi- space for 218 permanent horse gan State Fair. stalls and 128 portable horse The largest free concert series stalls. This building, added to in the Midwest is being spon- the improvements made to the sored by MCI, the long distance Coliseum, horse arenas and telephone service company, and other related facilities, makes The Detroit News. Such stars as the Michigan fairgrounds the Willie Nelson (Aug. 29 & .30), best place to show horses east Kool and the Gang (Aug. 2.3), of the Mississippi, according to the Gatlin Brothers (Aug. 27), fair organizers. Wynton Marsalis (Aug. 26) and The" Amazing Acre" in the ag the Thrasher Brothers (Sept. 1) building will showcase the are part of the line-up of free prime commodities produced in entertainment at the fair. the state. Demonstrations, A first for the fair this year is recipes, samples and entertain- a national truck pull competi- ment will be provided by Michi- tion, sanctioned by the National gan commodity groups such as Truck Pullers Association, on fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, Aug . .30 & .31. sugar, honey, maple products Returning by popular demand and wines. A restaurant that is the Budweiser World Cham- will serve only Michigan prod- pionship Rodeo (Aug. 26-28); ucts is also planned. the Elias Brother .3-Ring Circus A highlight of the agricultural (Aug. 27-.31) and discount ad- events is the market livestock mission for Elias Brothers auction, Aug. 27, of prizewin- customers on Aug. 26; the USA ning steer, market lambs and Demolition Derby (Aug. 24-25 market hogs brought to the fair and Sept. 1-2); and Kroger Day More and better agricultural by youth exhibitors. with free fireworks and reduced and livestock exhibits along New this year is a carriage admission with Kroger coupons with big name entertainers and driving competition on Aug . .30 (Aug. 27). popular spectator events prom- at the horse show. Included are Hardee's Restaurants is ise to make the 1985 Michigan classes to judge the skills of the returning with its opening day State Fair, Aug. 2.3-Sept. 2, the driver and performance of the free rides (Aug. 2.3) for Hardee's most memorable in recent horses, featuring a Cavalcade customers at the biggest mid- history. America class in which exhibi- way in the state. The third an- This year the fair is featuring tors in period costumes will nual Governor's Cup Run, spon- more of what surveys have drive restored antique car- sored by the Detroit Free Press shown attract people - the riages. and Speas Farm Apple Juice, is chance to see live farm animals Another featured ag event is set for Aug. 25. of every variety and the biggest the auction of wool garments and best of Michigan's farm (continued on page 30) made from the fleece of Detroit products. Zoo animals, with 100% of the proceeds returned to the zoo for the "Feed the Animals" fund. RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 2.3 AGRINOMIC UPDATE Growers Urged to Use PACA Trust provisions Eight months ago a new merchants, dealers and brokers During the first six months of amendment to the federal to maintain a floating trust of operation, about 6,800 trust Perishable Agricultural Com- assets as a source of payment protection actions were filed modities Act (PACA)went into to any unpaid supplier, seIfer or with the USDAaccording to effect, enabling producers agent have been used effective- Jack Gardner, acting chief of (sellers) of perishable com- ly by fruit and vegetable pro- the Fruit and Vegetable Divi- modities to make claims for ducers to obtain payment and sion, Agricultural Marketing payment against a statutory to give them preferred creditor Service, USDA.Approximately trust. status when involved in a bank- 6,000 of those have been re- Since that time the regula- ruptcy proceeding. solved with $27 million re- tions which require commission ceived. The bankruptcy provi- Perisbable Agricultural Commodities Act Notification of Intent to Preserve Trust Benefits Single Transactions Debtor's name and address: _ Name and address of unpaid seller, supplier, agent: Commodity, date, price and type of transaction: Date of creditor's receipt of notice that payment instrument has been dishonored (if applicable): Date past due and amount paid: _ PACAFiling Offices Ueadquarters and Regional Brancb USDAAgricultural Marketing Service USDAAgricultural Marketing Service Fruit and Vegetable Division Fruit and Vegetable Division PACA Branch PACA Branch Washington, D.C. 20250 330 Georgetown Square, Suite 103 202-737-4118 Wood Dale, Illinois 60191 312-350-0850 24 RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 sion of the PACA amendment ered. The passing of owner- - If you need to file, use the was also used to protect funds. ship relative to "when" is a form provided, a copy of it or The fact that the opportunity key element and should be file on a written form. Be sure exists for producers to file a spelled out in the sales agree- to include all the information claim and that producers are ment. requested on the form. using the PACA trust provisions to assure prompt payment Observe filing requirements as Understand your selling chain, should eventually shorten the outlined in the PACA trust reg- and know in advance where time between shipment and ulations. the filing responsibility lies. payment. The intent, of course, -Written notice must be re- The fact that the PACA trust is that buyers will not want a ceived by a PACA office within provision is a workable solution PACA claim filed against them. 30 calendar days after the to slow pay/no pay problems in The following is a checklist to "past due" date. the fruit and vegetable industry serve as a reminder of what you - Written notice must also be is evidenced by the claims al- need to do in order to protect provided to the debtor (buyer). ready filed and funds collected. your rights. For more detailed information Provide complete and accurate information as requested on about how the PACA trust provi- Familiarize yourself with the sions apply in your individual the filing notice. requirements for PACA trust circumstances, call any PACA eligibility. -Included with this article is a filing office or branch. There are -Contracts must call for max- form titled "Perishable Agri- two listed on the bottom of the imum 30 day payment. cultural Commodities Act Noti- filing form. -You must file an intent to fication of Intent to Preserve preserve rights with the debtor Trust Benefits/Single Trans- and the USDAwithin 30 days actions." Agrinomic Update is prepared after the contractual pay period - Review this form prior to monthly by MFB's Commodity has lapsed as each shipment making a sales agreement. Activities & Research Depart- becomes past due. ment. - Contracts calling for payment 31 days or longer are not 21 PIECE SOCKET SET CANTilEVER covered under the PACAtrust TOOL BOXES provision and are NOT ELIGIBLE -Browr;l finish for protection. - Four trays, 2 with partitions If you agree to prompt pay, you are agreeing to payment in 10 days. If you agree to • 1017 ... 17,3/,6 Lx 83/,6 W x 10" H payment between 11 and 30 SALE . $47.69 LIST $71.60 days, you must: • 1018 ... 18YaLx 10'/,6 W x 12%" H - Agree to the pay time in writing SALE $53.09 LIST $79.80 prior to the transaction. • 1022 ... 22Ya L x 10'/,6 W X 12%" H ORDER NO. 86.977 MADEIN USA -Be sure that each party has SALE $58.29 LIST $87.60 21 piece set contains 6 6-point lA"drive a copy of the payment agree- ment. sockets - 3111, 7132. V4, '/32, ~I1I, 11132. ~" 8 12-point~" drive sockets - ~, 711•• lh. 'Ill. r:-------------- Ship to: - Include the terms of the pay- %. 11111. 3A,13111, W' FLIP-DRIVE" ratchet. W' drive spinner. ~" drive 3" extension. ment agreement on all docu- ~" drive spark plug socket W', 3-Way Tool (6" extension and ~F x lAM adapter), OTY. ORDERNO. PRICEEACH TOTAL ments that pass between you blow-molded box and the buyer relative to that transaction. SALE $13.49 LIST $28.63 LIMITED SUPPLY AT THIS LOW PRICE Clearly specify in the sales Payment Sub Total agreement terms for "receipt by buyer, " i.e., transfer of ownership. -The buyer must take posses- All-PURPOSE TOOL BOXES = Check Ylsa MasterCard 'Z Card Number Exp. Date 4% Tax Freight TOTAL $2.00 - Handy catchall sion, control or ownership. This Signature for home or car is part of the agreement at the - Lift-out tray . Make Check Out To and Mall To: time of sale. The two most com- - Brown finish' The Chas. A. Strelinger Co. mon terms are FOB and deliv- 31855 Van Dyke, Warren, MI 48090 • K-20 ... 20YaL x 8% W x 9314" H 313-268-4100 Mon.-Fri. 8-5 SALE $25.95 LIST $43.30 RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 25 The Discussion Topic is used by Community Ac- tion Groups for monthly polley discussions. INTERNATIONAL TRADE In the last two decades Ameri- For the future, the question groups and involve the most can agriculture has become an posed is how these markets can difficult of political processes. International business. The be developed and stabilized to Central to this effort will be value of U.S. ag exports grew be consistent with U.S. produc- dealing both domestically and from less than $8 billion an- tion capacity and national in- internationally with policies nually In the late 1960s to more terest, and to avoid the kinds of that encourage orderly growth than $.34 billion In 198.3. shocks that arose in the early in international markets and Exports represent as much as 1970s. generate market stability. 60% or more of the total mar- During the past decade fluc- ket for some major commodi- International vs tuating rates of growth in ag ties, and many commodity Domestic Policy trade and wide price swings groups and marketing firms are International policy as well as have been the order of the day. heavily Involved In export sales domestic policy and the link be- This causes producers to face and In development of foreign tween the two will be crucial to great uncertainty in making markets. the future development of the production decisions, generates During the last decade food American farm and food system. merchandising problems for ag Imports have also increased The policy framework is com- industries, and affects consum- rapidly, from less than $5 plex. It involves issues related ers, especially those who are billion annually prior to 1970 to to trade and the rules govern- poor. Longer term implications approximately $19 billion now. ing international commerce as flow from the potential effect Imports of farm and food sys- well as aid, development of on investment in agriculture tem inputs are also increasing. poor countries, food security, and growth in production, both Thus U.S. and world markets and the restructuring of world in industrial countries and poor are becoming increasingly in- industrial systems. It is an area ones. tegrated In direct consumption where opposing philosophies often collide concerning the Trade Barriers Imports, as well as In exports and Imports that affect ag in- role of free markets versus the Market growth and greater dustries. This increased Integra- need for government interven- stability would result if signifi- tion has both advantages and tion to establish trade arrange-. cant reductions could be disadvantages. ments and develop rules of the achieved in trade barriers main- On the positive side It has led game concerning procedures tained by major importing to unprecedented growth in ag for handling international trade. countries. While progress has' production which has Increased International policy also been made in reducing some farm Income and employment clashes with domestic policy restrictions for ag products, In the food system. On the neg- and the assumed sovereign others remain at previous ative side, this Increased In- right (or political necessity) of levels, and in some cases, pro- tegration means that markets most governments to follow tectionism has increased. for U.S. farm products and in- policies that reflect solely their The major problems continu- puts are subject to political and domestic interests, rather than ing to face the United States are economic changes around the accepting concessions that im- those that result from the com- world over which we have no prove the functioning of inter- mon ag policy in the European control. national markets and encour- Economic Community (EEC)and U.S. agriculture is dependent age movement toward improved the import quotas and other on foreign buyers, but foreign world economic welfare. restrictions in Japan. These buyers are also dependent upon The United States needs an restrictions are based on U.S. supplies. The instabflity approach that defines and im- domestic protection levels, resulting from this Interdepen- plements the international which in turn reflect the prob- dency complicates both produc- aspects of a composite domes- lems of the economic structure tion and marketing decisions In tic International food and ag in their ag systems. the short run and creates a policy. This is a major task that Japan, for example, has ap- need to adapt domestic farm will require the input of many proximately six million farmers and food policies to conditions who farm a total of about six In international markets. 26 RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 million hectares of land. This continue to be significant in plies to the same degree as in means that the average farm formulating a comprehensive the past. size is 2.5 acres. While Euro- U.S. ag trade policy. For the future, there is a pean farms are somewhat lar- Expanding world food produc- definite need to sort out U.S. ger, there are still a large tion will also continue to be an policy objectives that affect number of very small farmers. important element of future trade within the framework of These farms can subsist only U.S. ag trade policy. Existing ag trade, industrial trade and with relatively high price sup- trade constraints in many im- international monetary phe- ports. porting countries inhibit in- nomenon. For example, the U.S. The problem thus becomes creases in food production in government is faced with im- long term and can be overcome the U.S. as well as in a number mediate pressures to place re- only through economic restruc- of other countries with the strictions on automobile im- turing of these ag systems. potent~al for greater produc- ports and to develop domestic While both Japan and the EEC tion, some of them developing sourcing requirements. Another maintain high prices relative to countries. Beyond this the ques- approach would be for govern- those in exporting countries, a tion of expanding production in ment to provide leadership to particularly difficult problem food deficit poor countries con- reduce the technology gap and has arisen as a result of the im- tains a set of trade and aid restrain cost increases that balances -in production created policies of great complexity. create the problems in these in- by the EEC's policies. Major dustries. surpluses of dairy products, u.s. Food and At present the U.S. govern- soft wheat and poultry have Ag Trade Policy ment needs to more precisely resulted in the use of export A final point - food and ag define issues and articulate ob- subsidies to generate sales of trade policies need to promote jectives in a broad range of in- these products in third world efficient resource use and con- ternational policy matters and, markets, which in turn displace tribute to the economic well- in particular, to relate domestic sales by the United States and being of U.S. agriculture. It is and international policy ac- other lower cost exporting important that these policies tions. Also there apparently is countries. assure the continued strength not a clear perception of the ex- and stability of the U.S. food tent to which the United States Assisting Developing system. Consumer interests can continue to provide a lead- Countries must be protected through a ership role and assert its wishes Another dimension to be con- continuing and adequate supply in international negotiations. sidered is that ag trade policies of food from domestic and in- If we are to continue to be ef- geared toward assisting devel- ternational sources. fective in forming policy that opment in poor countries will Formulating trade policy is serves the national interest of continue to be important. obviously very complex, and in- the United States, these short- These less developed coun- volves a wide range of in- comings must be overcome. tries are asking that their devel- struments and strategies re- Discussion Questions opment interests be considered lated to reduction in trade bar- riers, food reserves, food aid, • Do you think current ag trade and that policies be devised to preference arrangements with conditions are fair or unfair to serve this end. They argue that less developed countries and farmers? simply reducing trade barriers commodity agreements. A strat- • Is U.S. agriculture doing all it is not adequate -and that other egy which weighs the effect of can to compete in world actions to improve their posi- each policy instrument is re- markets? tions in international markets quired. Abrupt shifts in trade .Should the U.S. assist in are needed. policy that create an undue developing agriculture in poor Whether these countries' cost on either consumers or countries? development can in the long run be best served by policies producers should be avoided. that increase their foreign ex- Historically, U.S. objectives ig The discussion topic is based change, such as preferences international trade negotiations on a report prepared by Vernon and international commo~ity have been relatively clear-cut, L. Sorenson of Michigan State arrangements, is not clear. as has the leadership position University as part of the Cooper- Nonetheless the U.S. objective of the United States in interna- ative .Extension Service's "The of assisting development will tional commercial matters. Nei- Farm and Food System in Tran- ther of these conditions now ap- sition" project. RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 27 Country Ledger One of the goals of this new "1 try to bring people into the Farm Bureau was to influence Farm Bureau family," said FBIG (continued from page 5) legislation that would improve agent Jack Alexander. "1 take president, treasurer and secre- the welfare of the farmer. the time to explain the b~nefits tary. The secretary would man- By the end of the year, the of membership, and probably age the bureau and would be Michigan State Farm Bureau the main reason why people the only salaried officer (at had more than 22,000 mem- choose to become members is $2,500 a year). The other of- bers, and was part of the newly the service they will receive - ficers would rule on policies formed national Farm Bureau both from me in terms of their and have administrative control organization. insurance needs and from Mich- over the secretary. They were to It was a big step forward igan Farm Bureau." receive $10 per day for attend- when in 1922, the Michigan ing board meetings. Potato Growers Exchange, the Membership dues would be Janice Child is editor of FBIO's Michigan Milk Producers Associ- $50 a year for county Farm Crossroads publication, a ation, the Michigan Livestock Bureaus. Individual farmers monthly magazine for insurance Exchange, and the Michigan El- would pay nominal dues of 50ft agents. evator Exchange became af- or $1. filiated with the Michigan State Farm Bureau. Today Michigan Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom continues to grow. With a mem- (continued from page 22) Earn $10 to $20 per hour bership of over 89,000, it con- tivities while Mike provides in- in your neighborhood tinues to develop policies at the write orders for Mason Shoes grassroots level which ultimate- formation with statistics, such Present the Mason Shoe catalog to neighbors, ly influence the international as how much milk each cow relatives or friends. Let them thumb through the gives," said Anne. pages, over 400 up-to-date shoe styles. business of agriculture. Then take their order. Their deposit "We conduct the farm tours in -from $3.00 to $18.50 per pair-is May and the teachers are so ex- yours to keep. That's right, you get paid before the order is sent to Extra Effort cited that they will ask if they Mason. No investment ... ever. can come back again the next Catalog and sales tools are free. (continued from page 19) year because of the positive (Get started, just send the coupon below to Mason.) a strong, reliable, and informed reaction from the children and MASON SHOE MFG. CO. 1251 First Ave. organization," Stempky said. their parents." Chippewa Falls, WI 54774 Bill Copi, an agent in Monroe Effectively communicating County, believes in the organi- with children in the nursery MASON SHOE MFG. CO., Dept F-688 1251 First Ave. zation and finds presenting the school to seventh grade level is Chippewa Falls, WI 54774 Ra.h gUint free catalog and .tarting kit to: benefits of membership enjoy- a natural for Anne, who is a NAME able. former school teacher. "1 think ADDRESS "1 concentrate on certain that's why I can do it so easily CITY because I know how to reach member benefits: the member STATE life insurance policy, the the level of the children," she Buyers' Service, the group said. "The tours are a simple Your Florida vacation home is waiting for you at ... health program and the acci- way of letting children have fun ORANGE MANOR on the farm and yet portray a MOBILE HOME PARK dental death and dismember- -All adult, 40-plus environment -Recrea- ment policy, and I present the positive image of agriculture. tional clubhouses -Fishing lake with pier Farm Bureau Mutual auto poli- "Both Mike and I get so ex- -Two swimming pools -16 shuffleboard cy, which is a very good pro- cited after the children have courts -Located just two miles south of gram at a very fair price. The been to the farm that we're on a Cypress Gardens benefits are impressive and high for the rest of day. Wejust For more information call or write: Orange Manor Mobile Home Park make membership attractive to love to let the children know 18 Kinsmen Drive many, many people." how great it is to be farmers," Winter Haven, FL 33880 In Berrien County, most of the said Anne. 813-324-4968 people involved in farming are "It's a real positive experience Please send me more information on already members, and new for the children and we have Orange Manor Mobile Home Park. members, by-and-Iarge, are liv- had some go home after the Name ing in town. But agricultural tour and say, 'Mom, I'm gonna Address issues are important to most of be a farmer.'" City the people, and membership in State Zip Michigan Farm Bureau is one Phone (-.-.J RL 8/85 way to stay informed and be in- volved. 28 RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 Legislative Review Over four million acres are has helped many farmers by (continued from page 8) now enrolled in P.A. 116 with a providing information on steady flow of new applications. finance, health, legal problems, a person, when able, to accept Where farmland is being sold, it tax questions, employment, re- another kind of job that is as is essential that the landowner training, etc. good as or better than the check with the DNR to learn Another very successful part previous job. This one change proper procedures before com- of the program is the MSUEx- would save large amounts of pleting the sale. tension Service's emergency money and not harm anyone. Serious legal problems have management assistance teams. The current law is one reason resulted because of the failure The EMAT experts meet with why Michigan has trouble com- to use the proper procedure, farmers to work on financial peting with other states. however, most problems can be management, livestock and avoided by contacting the DNR crop management, stress prob- Taxation I Capital Gains - in advance of the sale. lems, tax problems and other The House exempted agricul- "Tax Planning When Buying or areas of need. Farmers report ture from the 150% increase in Selling a Farm," publication that this program has proven the capital gains tax as pro- #43, is available from your very valuable. For more infor- posed in the governor's tax county Extension office. This mation call the toll-free number package. This exemption is im- publication was revised in 1984 or your local Extension office. portant to livestock producers, and can be very helpful in especially dairy and hog farm- avoiding serious federal tax Lansing legislative topics are ers, and also when farmland is problems due to changing IRS reviewed by Robert E. Smith, sold. regulations. senior legislative counsel. FB testimony strongly op- posed the tax increase on capi- Part-Time Legislature - tal gains as well as the pro- Another petition drive has been posed tax on all insurance pre- announced to require a part- miums. Communication with time Legislature and cut sa1- state representatives by FB aries nearly 60%, from $36,520 members statewide had a sig- to $15,000. Expense allocations nificant impact on securing this would also be cut. Over 300,000 agricultural exemption. The ef- signatures are needed to put it fort to defeat the insurance premium tax lost by a very nar- row margin. on the ballot in 1986. Legislative sessions would be limited to four months with 15 ftlACftlA II All the 12 tax bills go to the special session days for emer- Summer Frozen Sale Senate for consideration in the gencies. Provisions for the fall. governor calling special ses- Featuring ... sions are included. Michigan fresh-frozen fruits This will be an issue for coun- P.A. 116 - H.B. 4788 has and vegetables. meats. ty FB policy development. been introduced to require P.A. SOUPS. and concentrates ... 116 refund checks to be made out to both the county trea- Wisconsin cheeses ... Farm Loan Increase - Gov. surer and the landowner if a Blanchard has signed H.B. 4690 Florida concentrates Be nut~ paid tax receipt was not attached (Rep. Dodak) into law increasing ... other quality products to the refund form. In many the emergency loan program cases the refund has not been from the original $70 million to used to pay the taxes due. Cur- When onlY the best $139 million. The loans are rently, only a copy of the prop- handled by banks and PCAs. is good enough ..• erty tax statement is required. This is only one part of the ... Farm Bureau members H.B. 4789 is a similar bill program which includes a toll- which would apply in the same order MACMA products! free hotline to the MDA - manner to property tax rebates 1-800-346-FARM. The hotline on homesteads. The homestead tax rebate is available to all Order Deadline homeowners, farmers and AUGUST I. 1985 renters. To .llce Jroar order contlct Jroar coantJr firm Barela. RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 29 State Fair (continued from page 23) The annual contests that rate contestants' skills in baton twirling, pie eating, hog calling, Christmas tree decorating, whit- tling, bubble gum blowing, sheep shearing and more are daily events popular with both participants and spectators alike. Of special note are the State Fair Body Building Cham- . pionships for men and women (Aug. 31) and the Queen of Queens contest that crowns the 1985 Miss Michigan State Fair (Aug. 28). The best in county fair com- petitors are honored with a luncheon on County fair Home- maker Day (Aug. 28). Communi- ty arts exhibits display the best in domestic arts, including bak- ing, canning, needlework and crafts. Civic and service groups will participate in programs and parades on their own special days. Shriners' Day is set for Aug. 30 and Veterans' Day is Aug. 31. Senior citizens are ad- mitted free until 3 p.m. on Aug. 26 and service clubs are wel- comed on Aug. 27. All this and more is included in the $4 general admission price. Children 11 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Fairgoers who have not vis- ited the State Fair in recent years will be pleasantly surpris- ed. More than $10 million of im- provements in buildings and landscaping have revitalized the fairgrounds, resulting in the at- traction of more than half a million people to last year's fair - a modern day recordl For more information on any of the Michigan State fair events, call 313-368-1000. 30 RURAL LIVING, AUGUST 1985 FARM BUREAU MARKET PLACE FARM EQUIPMENT MISCELLANEOUS REAL ESTATE NURSERY STOCK All steel buildings-factory - Must Used railroad ties - Good to excellent 85 acres. tillable. Hog ranch. finishing Berry Plants - Raspberries, strawber- sell certified one of a kind. by Sept. 15. condition. Removed from recently clos- set-up. Excellent buildings. 4-bedroom ries, blueberries, currants, gooseberries, 24x25 was $4,2:59 need $2,94:5; 40x40 ed rail line. Phone 906-477-6273. quality house. One mile south of Ar- others. free catalog. Maklelskl Berry was $7.090 only $4.477; 50xloo was (8-15p) mada. Owner. Phone :51:5-784-9476. Nursery, 71:50 Platt Road, Dept. RL. Ypsi- $16.925 sacrifice $9.994. Call Bill (8-20p) lanti. Mich. 48197. Phone 31:5-4:54-:567:5. 616-698-7600. (8-:52p-ts) Scholarships. thousands available (11-12t-22p) regardless of Income, grades or financial Complete Line of l'Iew and Used Irri- need. We guarantee college and high gation Equipment - Also equipment school students five sources they qualify for manure pumping and spreading by for. Most completing our short question- gun, tanker, or InJection. Plummer naire receive over 20. Send $:5 for Infor- CLASSIFIED AD POLICY Supply. Inc .. 1-800-6:52-77:51. mative brochure and questionnaire (re- ( 1-12t-2:5p) fundable). Nationwide Scholarship finders. Box 2257, Lynchburg, Virginia 24501. - Farm Bureau members pay 25 cents per word for all WAI'ITED: 1'1.1. cornplcker and I'I.H. (8-46p-ts) classified advertisements. field equipment. Phone 517-52:5-280:5. -All other advertisers pay 50 cents per word for one insertion evenings. (2-12t-10p-ts) Satellite Antenna Brokers l'Ieeded - no experience required. Buy direct from and 45 cents per word for two or more consecutive insertions Hog Equipment - Dei-Air heat ex- distributor. Bypass middleman. Whole- of the same ad. changers. Osborne feeders. K.G. John- sale $499. Retail $1,195. Call day or son farrowing crates. Chore-Time feed- night: :503-636-0663 or write: Antenna, -All advertisements are subject to a IS-word minimum Ing. Mix-Mill systems. Hamilton Distri- P.O. Box 15236. Colorado Springs. Col- charge. including member ads. buting Company, 616-751-5161. orado 80935. (2-tfn-:53b-ts) - Please indicate If you are a Farm Bureau member. (6-12t-17p-ts) Adorablel Furry "Jingle bell snow- -The deadline for ads is the first Monday of the month Grain Dryers - Stormor Ezee-Dry. farm suits" fit cabbage patch dolls. $10.75 preceding publication. fans Automatic, Used Dryers. PTO and p.p .. Sue Teichman. 1371 S. Aiken Road. - All ads must be pre-paid and may be pre-paid up to one Automatic. Hamilton Distributing Com- Owosso. Mich. 48867. (8-18p) pany.616-751-5161. (6-12t-17p-ts) year in advance. Part-time sales opportunity - Major -It is the responsibility of the advertiser to re-Insert the ad on U.S. shoe manufacturer seeks sales peo- a month-by-month or year-by-year basis. ple to handle an established line of over LIVESTOCK 400 styles. No travel. No Investment. -The publisher has the right to reject any advertising copy Earn extra money In your own local area submitted. during your spare time. Write for details Milking Shorthorn: Young bulls. year- -No ads will be taken over the phone. to Vic Mason. Mason Shoe Company. lings and calves for sale. Write or visit Dept. K-927. 1251 first Avenue, Chip- Stanley M. Powell and family. Ingleside Fill out form below and mall to: pewa falls. WI 54774. (8-54p-ts) farm. Route 2. :5248 Powell Hwy .. Ionia. Mich. 48846. (8-6t-tfn-27b) Rural Living, P.o. Box 30960, Lansing, Mich. 48909 Dieterle Corrledale sheep. give shear DOGS pleasure. Breeding stock. Blue ribbon fleeced flock. Spinning fleece's. phone :51:5-429-7874. (5-12t-15p) Shelt1e (mini-collie) pups. Shots and ------------------------ wormed. Ready for father's Dayl Beautiesl Phone 517-423-3069. Name Duroc Boars and Gilts sound and (7-2t-13p) durable. Delivery available. Jim Prevlch. 8147 forrlster Road, Adrian. Mich. 49221. 517-265-4112. Registered Australian Shepherd Address Pups. Good workers and super family (6-12t-18p) dogs. Blue merle and black and white. Zielland farms. Phone 517-874-4616. Performance tested Angus breeding Port Austin. (8-2t-21 p) stock and crossbred club calves. Rea- sonably priced. Delivery available. Bord- ner Angus farms, Sturgis. Mich. Call OFarm Bureau member ONon-member 616-651-835:5. (7-6t-20p) REAL ESTATE Run the following ad in the Issue(s): 1'I0rtheast Michigan - Beautiful ranch FOR nOMEMAKERS home on 78 acres with spring fed pond. Onaway loam. B-slope. Excellent farm- Fantastic salamI. hamburger or venl- land. I1Ox55 barn. Super termsl Must son.Send $2 and SASE to: Recipe, Box seel Contact Real Estate One of Lake 61. Decatur. Mich. 49045. (8-15p) Huron. 517-:556-3494 or Jan Varga. 517-766-8192. (8-33p-ts) Words lnsertlons TotaIDue _ ------------------------ I RURAL LIVING. AUGUST 1985 31 I It's a good feeling to know you're doing your best ... and it's a good feeling to have Universal Life working for you. You put your life into your farm, giving The policy also offers tax-deferred your best to make it a success. You want only interest, a non-smoker's discount, arid the best ... and that includes the best life options that let you add coverage on other insurance protection for you and your family. family members. Universal Life from Farm Bureau Life Come to us for the best policy for you - Insurance Company of Michigan gives you Universal Life. See your Farm Bureau the best in many ways: low-cost life Insurance agent today. insurance protection, a high rate of interest on your cash accumulations, and flexibility that lets you increase or decrease protection Making your future as needed. a little more predictable Youcan tailor your coverages - and your payment plan - to change with your needs. You can even add lump sums of cash FARM BUREAU at any time to take advantage of the high INSURANCE interest, or withdraw cash without paying penalty fees. fARM 1lRAU!N1UAl GROUe • fARM 8l1lI.AU If I • fARM IllRAU GI'-'IRA! • fB ANr(ID Michigan Farm Bureau Non-Profit Organization Rural Living Magazine U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 30960 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy. PAID Lansing, Michigan 48909 Lansing. Michigan Permit No. 37